Controlling Acne Eruptions

I am sure all of you have had some kind of experience with acne. If you yourself have not been bothered with it, you know someone who has. Technically known as acne vulgaris, this skin disorder affects millions of people from different walks of life.   Studies have found out that although adolescents are the usual targets of this disease,  infants and adults are also affected. Controlling acne eruptions usually requires making lifestyle changes.   

What is acne?

Acne symptoms range from mild to very severe.  Acne typically forms when the duct of the skin's hair follicles as well as the sebaceous glands over produce an oily substance commonly known as sebum.  This over production causes blockage in the ducts, forming a plug known as comedo.

If the plug stays below the skin, whiteheads or a “closed comedo” occurs.  On the other hand, if the plug pops out of the skin duct, it is called an “open comedo” or blackhead since the top is dark. 

There is no one known cause of acne prone skin, however, hereditary at or near the top of the list.  For instance, if a member of your family has acne, there is a great possibility that you will suffer from it also. Acne outbreaks can be controlled to some degree by making certain changes or adjustments in your life. 

Healthy Lifestyle Changes

Healthy lifestyle changes that would help in controlling acne could include altering your sleep, work, recreational habits.  If your goal is to treat your acne, you must treat your whole self as much as possible.

Overcoming Stress

Experts say that the adrenal cortex converts adrenal androgens to the hormone testosterone in both men and women, which in turn results in overactive sebaceous glands.  Women's ovaries are capable of producing 25 percent of the testosterone, while 75 percent of the hormone comes from the adrenal androgens.

When the body is under stress, more adrenal androgen is released, causing a double amount of testosterone.   It is this doubling effect that causes the T zone of the face to be oily, while other areas are still dry from dehydration.  Adult acne is sometimes the by-product of stress and dehydration. Water and estrogen are the factors that calm the body’s stress alarm system. 

Avoid Astringents

If your goal is to have beautiful skin, then you should avoid astringent soaps or any astringent agents that shrink your skin’s pores. When the pores of your skin shrink, more oils are clogged in the pores, causing the onset of acne.

Avoid Stimulants

Coffee, tea, cigarettes, sweets and soda should be avoided.  Anything that has the potential to affect the entire body, including the brain and nervous system, can easily stimulate the sebaceous glands to release more oil.  This oil has to leave the body through the pores, thus worsening your acne.  Stimulants trigger stress.

Eat a Nutritious, Healthy Diet

What you eat affects acne as well as your overall health and well-being.  Be mindful of what kinds of foods you eat.  Eat foods that are low in fat since fats produce more oils in the body that are capable of producing acne.

Avoid Alcohol

Many people believe that alcohol a good way to relax and relieve stress.  Studies have found  alcohol to be an aggravating factor in the formation of acne in some people.  However, being a stimulant, alcohol inhibits sleep, therefore causing more fatigue and stress, leading to worse acne.

Hot and Very Cold Count

Use warm water when bathing rather than either hot or cold. Extreme water temperatures can stimulate or aggravate your acne condition.

Avoid Scrubbing and Abrasives

Scrubbing and abrasives should be avoided.  Experts have said that they irritate the skin, which should be left intact as a natural barrier against the acne-causing bacteria.

Acne Prone Skin and Exposure to Sun

Sun acts as an astringent that dries, tightens and clogs the skin pores.  So, you should limit your time in the sun.  

Change Linens and Towels Frequently

Change linens, wash cloths and body towels after each use since they can be places for acne-causing bacteria to grow and be reapplied to the skin later.   Also, consider washing white facial cloths, pillow covers, and personal undergarments daily with vinegar, tea tree oil or essential oils of lime, lemon or orange so to lessen the acne-related bacterial development.   It is also often suggested that you a natural detergent for washing.

As you can see, controlling acne requires time and attention, but it can be done. Also, try not to be discouraged -- the process does take some time, but the rewards are usually worth it in the long run.